Southwest races to conserve water as Lake Powell approaches a critical low

Cities across the Southwest are stepping up water-saving measures as Lake Powell falls to historic lows, threatening river flow and power generation. Phoenix has three purification facilities and smart irrigation, Tucson has long switched to desert landscaping, San Diego relies on a large desalination plant and recently agreed to curb Colorado River withdrawals, and Albuquerque promotes its Water 2120 plan with restrictions on lawn watering. California and six other river states remain at an impasse over sharing cuts, while agriculture still accounts for most river usage. Drinking water remains secure for now, but costs could rise and urban conservation must be paired with greater agricultural and policy action to avert a worst-case scenario like a “dead pool.”